Ravens special teams vs. 49ers special teams

Ravens special teams vs. 49ers special teams

Baltimore Sun and Getty photos

Punt and kickoff coverage has not been sharp in the playoffs, with punter Sam Koch struggling at times to put the ball where he's wanted and Brendon Ayanbadejo missing a couple of key tackles. However, this group has been a strength all season. Pro Bowl returner Jacoby Jones has been relatively quiet lately, but the 49ers are well aware that he led the league with a 30.7 kickoff return average. Rookie kicker Justin Tucker (pictured) would love the opportunity to have the game riding on his right foot. After making 32 of 35 attempts this season, his confidence is well-earned. San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh has stuck by veteran kicker David Akers (pictured), but the 49ers must have some concern if the game comes down to a last-minute field-goal attempt. Akers has missed a league-high 14 field-goal attempts this season and his only attempt versus the Falcons was no good from 38 yards. Andy Lee led the NFL with a 43.2 net punting average and he dropped 36 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Both of San Francisco's return men -- Ted Ginn and LaMichael James -- have speed to burn. EDGE: Ravens

Punt and kickoff coverage has not been sharp in the playoffs, with punter Sam Koch struggling at times to put the ball where he's wanted and Brendon Ayanbadejo missing a couple of key tackles. However, this group has been a strength all season. Pro Bowl returner Jacoby Jones has been relatively quiet lately, but the 49ers are well aware that he led the league with a 30.7 kickoff return average. Rookie kicker Justin Tucker (pictured) would love the opportunity to have the game riding on his right foot. After making 32 of 35 attempts this season, his confidence is well-earned. San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh has stuck by veteran kicker David Akers (pictured), but the 49ers must have some concern if the game comes down to a last-minute field-goal attempt. Akers has missed a league-high 14 field-goal attempts this season and his only attempt versus the Falcons was no good from 38 yards. Andy Lee led the NFL with a 43.2 net punting average and he dropped 36 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Both of San Francisco's return men -- Ted Ginn and LaMichael James -- have speed to burn. EDGE: Ravens (Baltimore Sun and Getty photos)

Punt and kickoff coverage has not been sharp in the playoffs, with punter Sam Koch struggling at times to put the ball where he's wanted and Brendon Ayanbadejo missing a couple of key tackles. However, this group has been a strength all season. Pro Bowl returner Jacoby Jones has been relatively quiet lately, but the 49ers are well aware that he led the league with a 30.7 kickoff return average. Rookie kicker Justin Tucker (pictured) would love the opportunity to have the game riding on his right foot. After making 32 of 35 attempts this season, his confidence is well-earned. San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh has stuck by veteran kicker David Akers (pictured), but the 49ers must have some concern if the game comes down to a last-minute field-goal attempt. Akers has missed a league-high 14 field-goal attempts this season and his only attempt versus the Falcons was no good from 38 yards. Andy Lee led the NFL with a 43.2 net punting average and he dropped 36 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Both of San Francisco's return men -- Ted Ginn and LaMichael James -- have speed to burn. EDGE: Ravens